Relax in Your Own Spa Retreat

Anjie Cho September 15, 2021

A chance to slip off the demands of your to-do list and relax is just what your spirit ordered. Yet, if you’re like many of us, your schedule hasn’t got space for a spa day. What if I told you that you could create a spa in your own home? It’s true! A few simple updates will transform your boring bathroom into a peaceful retreat.

Bathrooms are often given the utilitarian treatment. To create a sanctuary in your home, however, this space needs the same stylish eye you’d want to bring to any other room in the house. Take a good look at the space you’ve got and consider what elements you can introduce to welcome tranquility and rejuvenation. Here are five design elements to consider:

Flooring

Think warm and cozy. Matte finish tiles are a good foundation to begin with, especially when combined with the right rug. Look for textiles that exude comfort but also hold up well to moisture. Cotton and bamboo are great natural materials that handle the damp environment well.

Lighting

Look for a classic hanging chandelier and go for the dimmer switch. Your bathroom has different lighting needs at different times. When you’re dressing or primping, a strong light is necessary. However, when you’re settling in for a spa-like retreat, low lights are the way to go. A dimmer will allow you to select the right glow for the right mood.

Don’t forget to make space for candles. When you slip into the tub, lighting a bevy of candles transforms your space from bathroom to luxury retreat.

Sound

What is a spa experience without lilting music? You don’t need built-in speakers to create the spa-like mood. Keep a music player or Bluetooth speaker in your bathroom – away from the water, of course.

Accessories

Remember, we’re talking about pampering and relaxing. Select lush towels for your in-home spa retreat. Use attractive bottles, jars and baskets to display your collection of bath salts and other pampering accoutrements. Be careful not to clutter the space, however. Simple and organized is your goal.

Scents

As you’re inhaling and exhaling in peace, the right calming scents are essential. Look to aromatic essential oils to create your own personal favorites. Coordinate the aroma you’re creating for your space with the candles and bath salts you’re using. If you’re not sure where to start, try the calming scent of lavender.

by Anjie Cho

If you’d like to learn more about feng shui, check out Mindful Design Feng Shui School at: www.mindfuldesignschool.com

Q&A Sunday: Feng Shui Mistakes to Avoid, Part 2

Guest User September 12, 2021

What are the most common feng shui mistakes that you see?

I answered this question a couple of weeks ago in this blog post, but there are a few additional topics that I wanted to cover. Here are three more common feng shui mistakes to look out for:

First, avoid keeping gifts that you don’t want anymore. If you don’t love it, and it isn’t adding anything to your home, give it away so that someone else can enjoy it. While clutter isn’t always a bad thing, keeping items that you don’t love can create extra work for you in the form of cleaning, and can even create feelings of stuckness.

Second, I notice that a lot of people hold onto clothing that no longer fits, hoping that they’ll fit into it someday. First, seeing these items can be a source of guilt as you are getting dressed. In addition, a full closet means that you have no room for new things, both literally and metaphorically. To invite in new energy and opportunities, create space by donating any items in your closet that don’t fit you anymore.

Lastly, a lot of people store things under the bed that don’t need to be there. Ideally, it’s best to have nothing under your bed, so that qi can flow freely around you as you sleep. If you need to use the space under your bed for storage, stick to soft, relaxing items like extra pillows and bed linens. Be sure to avoid storing sharp objects here, as well as anything emotionally charged, like items from an ex!

As you’re noticing feng shui “mistakes” in your home, remember to approach them with curiosity and compassion, rather than fear. If you do feel like you are in “fear shui” mode, I would encourage you to work one-on-one with a consultant!

by Anjie Cho

If you’d like to learn more about feng shui, check out Mindful Design Feng Shui School at: www.mindfuldesignschool.com

Q&A Sunday: My Favorite Feng Shui Plants

Guest User September 5, 2021

Do you have any recommendations for which plants to put in your home for good feng shui?

I get asked a lot about which plants to bring into a space for good feng shui. There are so many options, and the best plant for you really depends on the conditions of your space, your intentions, and what you’re drawn to. Here are a few of my favorite plants to get you started:

One plant that I really love is the fiddle leaf fig. It has soft, round leaves that promote a healthy flow of qi, or life force energy, through your space. They are really beautiful plants, and can grow to be quite big!

I also love monstera, with its beautiful heart-shaped leaves. This makes it a great plant to incorporate into your space if you want to invite more love and compassion into your life. If you are looking for more love in a partnership, or if you want to focus on self-love, you can place monstera in the Kun area of the feng shui bagua, which is related to relationships, including your relationship to yourself.

The Chinese money plant, or pilea peperomioides, is also a wonderful feng shui plant. Its coin-shaped leaves can help to attract wealth and abundance. If you would like to invite more prosperity and abundance into your life, you might want to try placing a Chinese money plant in Xun position of your home or bedroom with that intention.

I hope this gives you a few ideas when choosing a feng shui plant for your home. Remember to also trust your intuition, and select a plant that you love!

by Anjie Cho